What Causes Severe Brain Zaps After Discontinuation Of Paxidep CR?
Question: Hi doc... i was on paxidep cr 25 for 4.5 month ....i started feeling much better so i stopped it abruptly 6 days ago ... i am having mild to severe brain zapps (as defined on internet) for 3 days now... what should i do?
get back to the old regime and taper it slowly ? or should i wait ? in how much time will these symptoms subside?
get back to the old regime and taper it slowly ? or should i wait ? in how much time will these symptoms subside?
Brief Answer:
Restart with original dose.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns.
Stopping an antidepressant suddenly can cause brain zaps.
It usually subsides in around one week in most cases but may last longer(upto 3-4 weeks) sometimes.
I would suggest you to start the drug again at same dose which you were taking earlier.
Then withdraw it gradually after discussing with your doctor.
Stopping the drug prematurely can cause relapse of depression.
Hope this helps.
Take Care.
Restart with original dose.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns.
Stopping an antidepressant suddenly can cause brain zaps.
It usually subsides in around one week in most cases but may last longer(upto 3-4 weeks) sometimes.
I would suggest you to start the drug again at same dose which you were taking earlier.
Then withdraw it gradually after discussing with your doctor.
Stopping the drug prematurely can cause relapse of depression.
Hope this helps.
Take Care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
thanks doc for succinct advice...the thing is I have my civils service exams starting from 18 dec to 23 dec..
will that be okay if I start taking same dose and see the doctor on 24 dec ?...Is 10 days a long time if I don't see my doc ?
I don't want it to affect my exam performance considering it is going to be very hectic few days ahead. Thanks in advance
will that be okay if I start taking same dose and see the doctor on 24 dec ?...Is 10 days a long time if I don't see my doc ?
I don't want it to affect my exam performance considering it is going to be very hectic few days ahead. Thanks in advance
Brief Answer:
Start with same dose again.
Detailed Answer:
If you were doing good with 25mg, then you can start with same dose. It should not affect your performance.
You can see your doctor on 24th. That's okay.
All the best for your exams.
Wish you good health.
Kindly close the discussion if you are satisfied with the response and give your valuable feedback.
Thanks.
Start with same dose again.
Detailed Answer:
If you were doing good with 25mg, then you can start with same dose. It should not affect your performance.
You can see your doctor on 24th. That's okay.
All the best for your exams.
Wish you good health.
Kindly close the discussion if you are satisfied with the response and give your valuable feedback.
Thanks.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar